II. George Frederick Moore, second child of Charlotte Eliza Blaisdell and Francis Little Moore, was born on 28 October 1862 in Jessup Twp., Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania; he died on 22 May 1933 in West Union, Todd Co., Minnesota and was buried there in the Ashley Cemetery. George married Theresa Ritter daughter of Peter Ritter and Elizabeth Darlinghouse on 25 December 1888 in Minnesota. They were later divorced. Theresa was born on 29 September 1871 in Meire Grove, Stearns Co., Minnesota and died on 23 January 1942 in Glasgow, Valley Co., Montana where she was buried. Theresa kept in touch with her sister-in-law, Alice Moore Chamberlain in occasional letters like this one in which she mentions her husband (referred to as both Georgie and George), sons Frank, Clarence, and George, daughter Hazel, as well as father-in-law, Francis Moore (Grandpa), her husband’s Aunt Addie Blaisdell Myers, and others:
Osakis, Minn.
November 9, 1913
Dear ones all!
Received your welcome letter and found us all well and getting cold enough so we have to begin to think about winter. We have had a bad fall to get the work do[ne] this fall. But Georgie has his work pretty well done, has all the plowing done and most of the draging, his corn all stacked, he sure has been a busy boy. George has been helping him what he could.
We all dread the cold weather coming. I think I will spend most of my time in doors soon as it gets real cold. We was to Sauk Centre yesterday, saw Maude, she has been to see Uncle Jake, said she found him real well. If he is planning on coming up to here in the spring, hope he does to come, and we sure will be so glad to see him.
We did not get to see Aunt Addie, but she is well, but Alice Kelsey is getting worse night a long. I am afraid that she never will be well again.
Seems so strange that the girls never write. I am sure it has been six months since we have heard from Melissa and three months since we heard from Jane. Frank is home, he said Jane was looking fine and had a nice home. I think that her oldest boy will be married next fall to my sister’s girl, that are the plans now any how. They are intending to live near her folks.
You sure will miss Ethel, I know, but we must expect our children to do as we did, go to homes of their own. Hope she gets a good husband and that she will have a happy married life. I just know that you all must miss George, he sure is a good boy, and what a comfort that is to have good children.
I wish that you had a good Osteopath Dr. near you. I know he would help you so much. George & I have both been taking treatments from one. George’s back is well now and I am getting so I feel good if I didn’t work too hard. I think there way of doctoring is fin. They always help me when I get run down, and I run down so fast when I do.
I went for a visit to my sister and just rested that helped me lots. Mr. & Mrs. Smith are in their new house. They are both quite feeble and I am afraid that they won’t enjoy their new home very long. Hazel is going to learn dress making this winter, it helps them so much. I would not let her sew for other people as I think that is the worst kind of work.
Georgie has his hands full taking care of the stock and he has lots of hauling to do and wants to husk out a lot of corn. I don’t see any rest for him, but he is making good money so that encourages him. I rather think Frank will be home all winter, it is not an easy matter to get a winter’s job, if he stays home he can help Georgie with the chores. Clarence goes to school every day and is learning fast. They say the best in his class.
George is feeling fine, his arm that he got hurt on the plow bothers him yet. I think he must cracked the elbow cap or it would of been well before this. Grandpa keeps just about the same, only seems to be...amber then he has ever been, he never complains any way. He fell and hurt his ear about a week ago, but is about well again. He falls so easy.
We called on the old Coopers folks Sat. He is well but Mrs. C. has to use a crutch to walk with. They have such a nice home. John Cooper’s wife has been quite sick, but is feeling lots better. They have a new Auto.
Yes! We like our Auto quite well and would miss it if we had to go without it. We sure would be glad if we could only have a chance to give you a ride in it. We both run the car. I like to drive quite. I think everyone does that learns. George got me a nice good watch for Xmas, a little early, but I will enjoy having it that much longer.
All are gone to bed so I will close & go to and don’t wait to long to answer. Hope your health will improve right along.
With love from all to each and ever one and keep a generous share for yourself. Tell the girls to write & say halo to all.
Lovingly,
Theresa
George and Theresa had the following children:
1. Francis “Frank” Fremont Moore, b. 24 April 1891, West Union, Todd Co., Minnesota; d. 12 January 1961, Osakis, Douglas Co., Minnesota; bur. Kinkead Cemetery, Alexandria, Douglas Co., Minnesota. Francis md. 8 December 1915, Sauk Centre, Sterns Co., Minnesota, Electa Olena Velstad, daughter of Paul Velstad and Karen Nelson. Electa b. 25 July 1894, Alexandria, Douglas Co., Minnesota; d. 22 April 1945, West Union. He was described as of medium height and build with blue eyes and black hair (not bald) on his WWI draft registration card in 1917. Frank was a farmer and lived his entire life in West Union on the family farm and was a member of the West Union Cooperative Creamery and West Union Cooperative Livestock Shipping Associations. He was also the treasurer of the Silver Creek Cemetery Association. Frank was a Mason and reached the rank of Master Mason in the Osakis Lodge in November 1920.
2. George Grover Moore, b. 28 October 1892/3, West Union, Todd Co., Minnesota; d. 5 January 1968, Mauston, Juneau Co., Wisconsin. George md. 31 December 1914, Alexandria, Douglas Co., Minnesota, Margaret Ellen “Ella” Hetherington, daughter of John Nelson Hetherington and Leila May Clemons. Margaret b. 9 April 1897, Marysville, Marion Co., Iowa; d. 3 March 1988, Mauston, Juneau Co., Wisconsin. Like his brother Francis, he was described as of medium height and build with blue eyes and black hair (not bald) on his WWI draft registration card in 1917. George was a farmer. By 1940, the family had moved from Todd Co., Minnesota to Lake Crystal, Blue Earth Co., Minnesota where George was unemployed and Ella was working as a restaurant manager. They later moved to Mauston, Juneau Co., Wisconsin, where both George and Ella died.
3. Hazel Hildred Moore, b. 15 January 1898, West Union, Todd, Minnesota; d. 21 February 1993, Glasgow, Valley Co., Montana; bur. Highland Cemetery, Glasgow, Valley Co., Montana. Hazel md. 9 December 1914, Long Prairie, Todd Co., Minnesota, Edward Thomas Gallagher, b. 8 December 1893, Superior, Douglas Co., Wisconsin to Thomas Gallagher and Minnie Doyle. Edward worked as a meat cutter in a meat market and then later owned a retail grocery store in Glasgow, Valley Co., Montana. Edward d. 16 July 1970, Glasgow. Hazel wrote the following letter in 1954 to Phyllis (Jensen) Butler, daughter of her cousin Ethel Jane (Chamberlain) Jensen:
Glasgow, Montana
May 6, 1954
Dear Phyllis,
Was indeed surprised to hear from you but very pleased. When a girl at home, I corresponded with Bertha Chamberlin [Phyllis’ aunt]. I have her picture, also one of your mother. Mother passed away in January 1942. She had moved to Glasgow about a year before her death. My brothers and I had a reunion at our old home three years ago this summer. The first time we had been together since our father’s death in 1933. My oldest brother lives on our old home place. He has one son who also lives there. He lost his wife a few years ago. George lives in Denver—he has a son and daughter. Clarence, the youngest brother, lives in Pontiac, Michigan. He married a widow with three children and they never had more. I have three sons, two daughters, and sixteen grandchildren. Our 2 oldest boys are with their dad in a meat and grocery store—they also buy cattle. Our youngest son is 25 years. He is a lawyer. He had to go into service out of law school, but will be thro Aug 1st, he will then be in a law firm here. Our oldest daughter lives in Oakland, Cal. and our other daughter lives at Rangely, Colo. Her husband is a petroleum engineer. We had a very mild winter for Mont., however April was disagreeable. Consequently a very late spring. John Duncan, Aunt Jane’s youngest boy, lives at Glendive, Mont. not too far from here. There are some Tiltons in western Mont., but I have never got to meet them. I am going to try to contact them. [The] George Duncans have visited us here. He was with Western Electric in Chicago and is now retired. We try to raise quite a few flowers—love to work outside. Since our family has left home, I’ve been doing the bookwork at the store. I am sorry I was so slow in answering your letter. I am a poor letter writer and about all I do write is to our children who are away from home. Would like to hear from you again.
Very best wishes to all the relatives there.
Hazel Gallagher
4. Clarence Calvin Moore, b. 15 November 1905, West Union, Todd, Minnesota; d. Dec 1979, Michigan. Clarence md. Clarina M. St. John, daughter of San St. John and Clara St. Germain. Clarina b. 28 May 1907; d. April 1976, Michigan. In 1935, the family was living in L’Anse, Baraga Co., Michigan (northern peninsula), but by 1940 Clarence was working as a press operator in an auto factory in Oakland Co., Michigan.
5. Myrtle Melissa Moore, b. 4 May 1909, West Union, Todd Co., Minnesota; d. 4 May 1909, West Union; bur. Moore Farm Cemetery, West Union.
III. Mary Jane Moore, third child of Charlotte Eliza Blaisdell and Francis Little Moore, was born on 12 May 1864 in Jessup Twp., Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania. She died on 22 July 1929 in Kila, Flathead Co., Montana after taking a fatal dose of poison and was buried in Conrad Memorial Cemetery, Kalispell, Flathead Co., Montana. Her death notice said:
COMMITS SUICIDE––Kalispell, July 24 – Her husband an invalid, her son serving a jail term for bootlegging, Mrs. Daniel Duncan, 65, gave up the struggle yesterday and took a fatal dose of poison. She had been caring for her four grandchildren, Dorthy V., Yuvon L., Douglas C., and Mary J., while their father was serving his sentence.
Mary Jane married Daniel Saint Duncan son of Stuart Duncan and Catherine Hamilton about 1884. Daniel was born on 30 May 1855 in Sullivan Co., New York; he died on 2 May 1934 in Kalispell, Flathead Co., Montana and was also buried in Conrad Memorial Cemetery. His obituary said:
Daniel S. Duncan was born May 30th, 1852 in New York state and passed away November 16, 1934 in Kalispell after a lingering illness, at the age of 82 years. Mr. Duncan came to Kalispell in 1906 and has since made his home here. His wife, Mary Jane Duncan, passed away July 22, 1929. Six children survive: Mrs. Isabell Shouse of Somers, G. W. Duncan of Chicago, Ill., Daniel D., Cassius C. of Kalispell, Stewart F. of Somers and John J. of Baker, Mont.
The family moved from Minnesota to Alberta by 1901 and then to Montana by 1906. Daniel worked as a stone mason (1910) and farmer (1920). He was a widow and retired by 1930. Like her sister Melissa (Moore) Tilton, Mary Jane (Moore) Duncan wrote quite often to her sister, Alice Estella (Moore) Chamberlain, after the Chamberlains joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormon Church) and moved to Utah. Here is an excerpt from one of her letters published in the Chamberlain-Moore Journal that was written a few months after the birth of Alice’s son, William George Chamberlain. Melissa did not know when she wrote the letter that little William would die before the letter reached her sister.
West Union [Minnesota]
February 10, 1886
Dear Sister,
I received your letter one or two days ago and glad you may be Shure to hear that you was well again and had sutch a nice little boy! tell you I would like to see it and all of you...Dan’s Mothers health is very poor this winter and I suppose you know grandma Moore is not Expected to hardly live from one day to another...Dan is away now and has not bin home only once in over a month he is working at Hartingtons Mills him and Emmit Myers Dan does his own cooking and Emmit takes care of the Horses. We are having splendid weather and just enough snow to maike good Sleighing Ran [Ransom Tilton] has bin quite sick so he sayes he started for the Station the other day and could not get any further than here but when dinner was ready he seemed to have as good an apetite as anyone now Alice I am just going to tell you what I herd about you and Elonzo I know it will make you laugh we heard that the hed of the church had decided that Elonzo was not able to support a wife and that they had taken you away from him and given you to Will McDonald for a second wife Henry Wolcots wife was the one that told me She had a good laugh over it but did not believe it whare it furst started I cant find out but think it was some of the Advents...
Daniel and Mary had the following children:
1. Brownie Bell Duncan (later changed her name to Isabel Brownie), b. 15 February 1885, West Union, Todd Co., Minnesota; d. 2 January 1968, Kalispell, Flathead Co., Montana; bur. 5 January 1968, Conrad Cemetery, Kalispell. Her obituary stated:
Mrs. Isabel B. Shouse, 82, died Tuesday at a local hospital. Mrs. Shouse was born Feb. 15, 1885 at West Union, Minn., the daughter of Mary Jane Moore Duncan and Daniel S. Duncan. As a child she traveled to Salt Lake City, Utah where she lived until she was 13 and went by a covered wagon with her four brothers and her parents to Cardston, Alta., where she grew to womanhood. She came to the Flathead in 1909 and July 2, 1917 she was married to William T. Shouse. He preceded her in death Jan. 9, 1964. Mrs. Shouse was also preceded in death by one son, Frank W. Utley, in October, 1938. She is survived by three daughters, Mrs. W. S. (Elathine) Minkler, Seattle; Mrs. R. L. (Juanita) Batson, Tacoma, and Mrs. Starling (Ruby) Lindsey, Somers. Mrs. Shouse lived most of her time in the Flathead at Somers. For the past year she has lived at the Immanuel Lutheran Home. There are six grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. She was a member of the Eidsvold Lutheran Church. Four brothers survive: George Duncan, San Antonio, Texas; John J. Duncan, Glendive; Stuart and Douglas Duncan, Darby.
Brownie md. 1st Joseph Hardy Vaughn on 25 July 1900, MacLeod, Alberta, Canada. Their marriage ended in divorce. Joseph b. January 1879, Idaho. Brownie md. 2nd Frank Utley, son of Charles Utley and Jennie Fountain on 25 May 1909, Kalispell. This marriage also ended in divorce. Frank b. 16 March 1877, Hinkley, Pine Co., Minnesota; d. June 1940, California. Brownie md. 3rd 2 July 1917, Kalispell, William Tennyson Shouse, son of John F. Shouse and Levina Skaggs. William b. 1 September 1898, Independence, Montgomery Co., Kansas; d. January 1965. Brownie wrote several times to Phyllis (Jensen) Butler, her cousin Ethel’s daughter. Here is one written in 1961:
Somers, Montana
March 15th 1961
Dear Phyllis,
Was sorry to hear that Lottie [Lottie Chamberlain Marshall, Phyllis Butler’s aunt and Brownie’s cousin] had lost her only living son. These sorrows come to every one sooner of later. I lost my only son many years ago and so I know how much it hurts. Was also sorry to hear about my cousin Frank Moore. We used to spend many pleasant times together when we were young. I think Frank was some younger than I. I was 76 the 15th of February. At the present time I have ten great-grandchildren…My brother Cassius is living in Libby. I don’t know where. His children’s names are Alene, Cassius, & Sally. I don’t know where Sadie his wife is. She went completely wrong, and so we just haven’t kept any track of her. About that family picture, I think if you would write to my brother Dan at 2106 W 85th St in Los Angeles, Calif. he might be able to send you one. Danny had the pictures taken and gave each of us one.
We are not so good. Bill had a stroke in February and is very poorly. I have so much extra work I’m very tired. I just hope I can keep on my feet because we just can’t afford to both be out at once. My girls all have their dear hands full and such an added burden would be too much. Bill requires a lot of waiting on; he isn’t bed ridden yet, but it will eventually come to that as his legs are so bad but we just have to make the best of it.
I must close this as I have a chance to get it mailed. Bye now.
Love, Brownie
2. George Wellington Duncan, b. 15 February 1887, West Union, Todd Co., Minnesota; d. 9 January 1990, Saint Hedwig, Bexar Co., Texas at the age of 102 years; bur. Sunset Memorial Park, San Antonio, Bexar Co., Texas. George md. 2 September 1914 Inez Pearl Petre, daughter of George Petre and Mary Ritter. Inez b. 4 May 1896, West Union, Todd Co., Minnesota; d. July 1989, Bexar Co., Texas; bur. Sunset Memorial Park. George and Inez moved back and forth (summer and winter) from Minnesota to San Antonio, Texas. In 1954 they explained this in a letter to Phyllis (Jensen) Butler:
San Antonio, Texas
March 24, 1954
Dear cousin Phyllis,
Yes, we remember you, but don’t remember which was which. We were there in 1936. My dad was along, also our son. We were at your place a second time too with some friends. My dad died within two weeks after he arrived home from that trip & our son was killed on Okinawa two years ago last Oct. He was our only child, you know, & we miss him so much. He left three children and they & their mother live here in San Antonio. So that is the main reason that we spend the winter months here. So we can be near them.
You know we were both born in Minn. & lived there for many years. However, Geo. left with his folks when he was 6 years old & lived in Salt Lake City, Canada, & then Montana. And when he came back to Minn. to visit his uncle Geo. Moore, who was married to my mother’s sister, I met him. But I was very young then & did not marry him until several years later.
Well, to make a long story short, after living in & near Chicago, Ill. for almost thirty years & Geo. retired from Western Electric Co., we decided to buy a home on one of the many beautiful lakes in Minn. So we stay there about six months of the year and this is our second winter down here. We come down here in a trailer & live in it here in one of the nice trailer parks they have here. We enjoy it very much.
Now about the information you want about Grandpa Moore. Geo. says his sister Brownie has it all in the old family bible & she’d be able to give you the correct information. So I’ve written to her & sent your letter to her & asked her to get in touch with you and I’m sure she will. Her add. is Mrs. Wm Shouse, Somers, Mont.
We could give you some information but we do not know about the Littles. Brownie may have that. I remember Grandpa Moore, who was Frank Moore, very well, as I lived near him for 16 years. He died in Minn. but we believe he was born in Pa.
It was nice hearing from you Phyllis. I guess we left Douners Grove, near Chi. just about the time your Uncle Walter & wife came to Chi. on a mission. And we hope you get the information you are after.
Love from your cousins Inez & George Duncan
3. Daniel Douglas Duncan, b. 2 December 1888, West Union, Todd Co., Minnesota; d. 23 February 1974, Darby, Ravalli Co., Montana; bur. Riverview Cemetery, Hamilton, Ravalli Co. Daniel was living in California when his social security number was issued. He was working as a railroad brakeman in 1917 prior to his first marriage at the time of the WWI draft and on his registration card was described as medium in height and build, with hazel eyes and dark brown hair (not bald). Daniel md. first 22 December 1917, Kalispell, Flathead Co., Montana, Genevieve J. Billedeaux, daughter of Edward Billedeaux and Virginia Howard, who was one-half American Indian. The marriage ended in divorce. Genevieve b. 19 April 1894, Browning, Glacier Co., Montana; d. 9 July 1984, Kalispell; bur. Whitefish, Flathead Co. Daniel was listed as divorced in the 1930 U.S. Census and was living next to his father with his three children where he was working the family farm. In 1940, Daniel was incarcerated in the Montana State Prison, Deer Lodge, Powell Co. The reason for his incarceration was that he “was convicted of second degree murder in the deaths of Bud Neas and Russell Austin, his sister’s son-in-law, and sentenced on 26 December 1930 to life in prison, which was later recommended by the Governor to be commuted to 25 years. Daniel Duncan spent ten years in the Deer Lodge Prison for the murder of these two men.” He had been in trouble with the law before and was jailed for bootlegging in 1929, one of the issues that led to his mother’s suicide that year. The murders were reported as follows in the newspaper:
TWO KILLED IN GUN FIGHT NEAR KILA
Dan D. Duncan Admits Having Fired Shots, And Gives Himself Up
Argument over possession of cowhide robe results in deaths of Bud Neas and Russell Austin and serious injury to Gus Austin. Shooting occurred near Sedan Lake. As the result of a quarrel over a cowhide robe, Bud Neas and Russell Austin are dead, Gus Austin is in the hospital with serious injuries caused by being beaten over the head with a gun, and Dan D. (Dogy) Duncan is in jail, having given himself up to the sheriff for having caused the deaths of the two men. From what officials have so far learned, one of the Austins claimed Dan S. Duncan, father of Dogy Duncan, had given him the robe some months ago. This was disputed by Dogy Duncan; the argument starting at the Charles Stopher place on the south side of Sedan Lake yesterday afternoon. About 5 o’clock Gus and Russell Austin and Neas drove to the home of Dan S. Duncan, where the shooting occurred.
Details Not Definitely Known
Just what happened is not definitely known, but it is said that the argument was renewed in which Dogy Duncan was badly beaten by some of the party, after which he went into the house, secured the gun, a .32 caliber Winchester carbine, and shot Neas, who stood beside the car in the road. The two Austins, who were in the car, got out when the shooting started, and Russell Austin was shot as he tried to escape and died in the hospital at 11 o’clock last night without making any statement to the officers. There were but two shells in the gun, and Duncan then struck Gus Austin over the head with such force as to break the gun in two. Gus Austin is also in the hospital, and it is said that he has a chance for recovery. The only eye witness of the affair was Wilbur Tuttley, a nephew of Duncan’s who it is said ran into the woods when the shooting started. Neas lived with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Al Neas near the bridge over Ashley creek at the head of the lake, and it is said that his mother heard the shots and ran over to the Duncan place, arriving there before her son expired. Russell Austin is a nephew of Gus Austin and lives in Somers. Gus Austin is a traveling salesman for a Salt Lake City clothing firm, but at the present time was making his home with his brother, J. B. Austin at Kila. Sheriff Ripke says that Neas was dead when he arrived about 5:30. Dr. F. D. Ross was called, and removed the two injured men to the hospital. Coroner Campbell was notified and removed the body of Neas to the Campbell & Waggener mortuary, where it was found that the bullet entered his right side about two inches above the hip, and lodged in the left breast near the heart. The body of Austin was removed to Sherman & Son’s, where it is said that the bullet entered near the spine and came out on the right side. Neas was a lad about 18, Russell Austin 27, and Gus Austin about 50. Russell Austin’s wife, it is said, is a niece of Duncan’s. An inquest will be held by Coroner Campbell at 4 o’clock this afternoon.
After his release from prison, Daniel md. second 1 February 1951, Maude E. Antisdel. Maude b. 4 November 1879, Auburn, Geauga Co., Ohio; d. 2 July 1959, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., California. Daniel md. 3rd Nellie Strainbrook about 1960. Nellie b. 1882; d. 29 July 1965, Montana; bur. Riverview Cemetery, Hamilton, Ravalli Co., Montana. Daniel md. 4th 12 October 1968, Lillian Esther Garrin, b. 11 May 1900, Woodburn, Marion Co., Oregon; d. 4 October 1990, Hamilton, Ravalli Co., Montana. Daniel’s obituary said:
Funeral services were conducted for this afternoon at Dowling chapel for Daniel Duncan, 85 of Darby who died unexpectedly at his home Feb. 23 at 5:30 a.m. Father James Burns officiated and thereafter the body was sent to Spokane for cremation. Daniel Douglas Duncan was born Dec. 2, 1888 at Sauk Centre, Minn., son of Douglas and Mary Jane Moore Duncan. He moved to Salt Lake City in his youth, later lived in Canada and the Flathead valley. He owned a leather shop in the Los Angeles area for a number of years. He was a veteran of service on WWI. He moved to Darby in 1961. His marriage to Lillian Anderson took place in Glendive Oct. 12 1968. Surviving beside the widow is a daughter, June Smith in Van Buren, Mo.; son, Douglas, Kalispell; brothers, George, San Antonio, Texas and John, Hamilton; seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Dan Duncan was vitally interested in the world in which he lived and the men who rule it, all the way down to town and school district. He showed his concern both vocally and with his pen, both of which could have sharp edges.
4. Cassius Calvin Duncan, b. 12 June 1892, West Union, Todd Co., Minnesota; d. 22 December 1966, Libby, Lincoln Co., Montana; bur. Libby Cemetery. In 1917 at the WWI draft, Cassius was working in Flathead Lake, Flathead Co., Montana for the Somers Lumber Company; on the draft card he was described as medium in height and build, with brown eyes and hair (not bald). Cassius md. 22 November 1920, Sadie Alice Miller, daughter of Aquilla W. Miller and Jane Bretz; the marriage ended in divorce. Sadie, who was one-quarter American Indian, b. 25 January 1904, Bigfork, Flathead Co., Montana; d. January 1973, Sweetwater Co., Montana. In 1940, Cassius was working as a helper in a tin mill shop.
5. Stuart Francis Duncan, b. 29 January 1894/5, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake Co., Utah; d. 4 July 1971, Missoula, Missoula Co., Montana; bur. Conrad Cemetery, Kalispell, Flathead Co., Montana. His obituary reads:
Stuart Francis Duncan, 77, died Sunday in Missoula. He was born Jan. 29, 1894, in Salt Lake City. He is survived by one son, Wellington S. Duncan, Kalispell; two daughters, Mrs. Eunice Mahlum, Missoula, and Mrs. Rena Mae Eddy, Bigfork; five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; three brothers, George Duncan, Battle Lake, Minn.; Dave and John Duncan, Darby. Funeral services for Mr. Duncan will be at 10 a.m. Thursday in Squire-Simmons and Carr Chapel. Graveside services will be at 3 p.m. in Conrad Memorial Cemetery.
Stuart md. first 6 September 1919, Kalispell, Emma Margrete Wittlake, daughter of Fred C. Wittlake and Mary J. Paulson; the marriage ended in divorce on 14 July 1949. Emma had been previously married and divorced from Mr. Miller. Emma was b. 25 July 1902, Enid, Garfield Co., Oklahoma; d. 23 March 1992, Kalispell, Flathead Co., Montana. Stuart and Emma were living with his parents in 1920 and he was working on the farm. He later worked at a lumber mill as a laborer and lumber grader. Stuart md. 2nd in the summer 1959, Mrs. Iva Allen.
6. John James Duncan, b. 4 December 1901, Taylorville, Alberta, Canada; d. 26 August 1992, Hamilton, Ravalli Co., Montana; bur. Riverview Cemetery, Hamilton. John md. 16 December 1922, Libby, Lincoln Co., Montana, Margaret Christina Jerrow, daughter of James McCulloch Jerrow and Mary McAlpine. Margaret b. 18 August 1905, Oswego, Valley Co., Montana; d. 31 October 1969, Glendive, Dawson Co., Montana. John and Margaret were living in Baker, Fallon Co., Montana in 1935, but had moved to Glendive by 1940 where John had opened an auto repair garage.
IV. Melissa Patience Moore, fourth child of Charlotte Eliza Blaisdell and Francis Little Moore, was born on 12 August 1865 in Jessup Twp., Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania and died February 1949 in Hamilton, Ravalli Co., Montana where she is buried in the Riverview Cemetery. She married Col. Ransom Tilton, a Civil War Veteran, on 4 October 1880 in Long Prairie, Todd Co., Minnesota. Ransom was born 23 June 1847 in Andover, Merrimack Co., New Hampshire to Wilden Tilton and Hannah Davis. He died 28 September 1935 in Hamilton, Ravalli Co., Montana and was buried there in the Riverview Cemetery. Melissa wrote the following letter to her sister Alice in 1889:
West Union, Minn
Dear sister,
It it is Thursday, September the 5, ‘89 after noon and Ran Is out Helping Mr. jorden thresh. Darr Has Bought a shear an a...r Threshing Mashine and Has just started out some of The Threshing Is done Hear in the woods. Albert Has Threshed. He Had 500 Bushel of Wheat, 200 and 90 of oats, 47 of Barley. Cam Had 310 Bushel of Wheat, 250 of oats, 30 of Barley. The rest Havent threshed yet. We have had 3 hard frosts. Killed all my tomatoes and all my other vines. Their Has bin a frost every month this sumer the wheat Crop neaver was better in minn But it seems as if I Cant have any thing gat ripe in the garden. We are all Well at present and hope You are all the same. It seems that you folks are verry unluckey about gating hurt. I was sorry to Hear that Alonzo had Hurt His arm. We Wer all verry Thankful for those pictures. You and Alonzo look so naturel But I Cant see Where 185 pounds Is. You dont look so fleshy i dont think lotty dont look one Bit as I imagened she did i think she looks an afful site like You and your oldest boy looks like Alonzo And Your little Baby is just as sweet as he can Bee. I am going To have our pictures all Taken. When I go to the Senter and therr I Will send You one.
Pas Health Is verry poor This fall. He Has Worked to Hard This Summer Trying to gat Back What He Has lost, If wheat Caries up to a dollar a Bushel and He Has as good a Crop as ther others that Have Threshed He will nearly Clear Him Self this Year. I wish we Could Purswaid pa to Come out their this winter on a visit. I think It would do Him so mutch good. Mal Has gon Back Where Her folks are she got well verry quick after she got a Hall out of pa. Bell Tailor Has Left her Husband and gon With Her. They will proberbly go to keeping House togather again. I havent Bin over to pineys But one this sumer and that was when she Was sick. I dont find mutch time to go evven to see our own folks. I havent Bin over to see Aunt Ady sence Uncle Joe dyed. They report that aunt ady is going Crezy.
Ran Had a very sick spell after he Hasent felt Well sence He Has fits. Walter is a man He thinks now I have put Him in pants. I ask him what I am going to do for a Baby and he says I Can gat Aunt Tressys but He dont Want It to Cry any though.
Ran Come home and i had to stop and gat supper so now I will set down and wind up for this time. Roy Has gon after the Cows him and elwin. Roy is learning to milk he Chops all the wood Brings in most all the watter takes Care of the sheep and helps me in the house just as good as a girl Could this is all i think of this time. Love to your self and famely i will close hopeing to hear from you soon I remain your sister,
Melissa Tilton
Ransom and Melissa moved from Minnesota to Montana after the 1900 US census. In 1930 they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary and the event was reported in the paper:
Well-Known Hamilton Residents Celebrate 50 Years of Marriage.
HAMILTON, Oct 7—(Special)—Mr. and Mrs. Ransom Tilton observed their golden wedding anniversary at their home on Erie avenue, October 4. Mr. Tilton, a veteran of the Civil War and a member of the fast-thinning ranks of John O. Fremont post of the G. A. R., is active and energetic in spite of his 83 years. His wife is 18 years his Junior. They have lived in the Bitter Root valley since April, 1901, when they came here with their family from Minnesota. The marriage of the couple took place at Long Prairie, Minn., October 4, 1880. Their children are Elwyn and Walter Tilton of Great Falls, Roy Tilton of Grantsdale and Mrs. Frank Merritt of Hamilton. They have 13 grandchildren and one great grandchild. When they first came to the Bitter Root the Tilton family made its home at Grantsdale, but for the past 20 years Mr. and Mrs. Tilton have resided in their Erie avenue home. In their neighborhood another couple, Mr. and Mrs. Edward White, who celebrated their golden wedding three years ago, reside. Mr. White and Mr. Tilton are brothers in the G. A. R. Mr. Tilton was born in New Hampshire, June 23, 1847. In early boyhood his parents moved to Illinois and it was from this state that he enlisted in the Northern army for two years service in the war of the sixties. After the war he went to Minnesota, where he lived until coming West. Mrs. Tilton is a native of Pennsylvania. Before her marriage she was Melissa Moore. Mr. and Mrs. Tilton received many beautiful gifts from relatives and friends.
Ransom and Melissa had the following children:
1. LeRoy “Roy” Ellsworth Tilton, b. 8 December 1882, West Union, Todd Co., Minnesota; d. 25 May 1965, Montana;bur. Riverview Cemetery, Hamilton, Ravalli Co., Montana. Roy md. Augusta Myrtle Masterson, sister of his brother George’s wife and daughter of Sterling P. Masterson and Laura Day, on 20 October 1907 in Grantsdale, Ravalli Co. Augusta b. 2 August 1888, Missouri; d. 20 June 1953, Grantsdale, Ravalli Co.; bur. Riverview Cemetery.
2. George Elwin Tilton, b. 22 January 1885, West Union, Todd Co., Minnesota; d. 11 July 1944, Hamilton, Ravalli Co., Montana; bur. Riverview Cemetery in Hamilton. George md. Anna L. Masterson daughter of Sterling P. Masterson and Laura Day on 15 September 1907 in Grantsdale, Ravalli Co. Anna b. November 1889, Palmyra, Marion Co., Missouri. George and Anna with their children were living in Spokane, Spokane Co., Washington in 1920 where he was working as a miller for a flour company.
3. Walter Francis Tilton, b. 21 April 1888, West Union, Todd Co., Minnesota; d. 17 March 1961, Great Falls, Cascade Co., Montana; bur. 20 March 1961, Great Falls Cemetery. Walter md. Mabel H. Bell daughter of Nathan Bell and Susan Goss on 15 September 1907 in Grantsdale, Ravalli Co., Montana. Mabel b. 17 January 1888, Montana; d. January 1966. Walter was a miller and worked at flour mills in Kalispell and Great Falls. When he regustered for the draft during WWI, he was described as of medium height with blue eyes and brown hair.
4. Pearl Grace Tilton, b. 22 April 1892, West Union, Todd Co., Minnesota; d. 23 September 1987, Hamilton, Ravalli Co., Montana; bur. 28 September 1987, Riverview Cemetery, Hamilton. Pearl md. 1st 25 March 1918, Thompson Falls, Sanders Co., Montana, Robert Lee Miller, son of Frank Miller and Lilly Telgofield; they were later divorced. Robert b. 20 October 1886, Abilene, Taylor Co., Texas; d. March 1971, Hamilton. Pearl md. 2nd 13 December 1928 in Missoula, Missoula Co., Montana, Frank P. Merritt. Frank b. 17 February 1890, Ozark, Christian Co., Missouri to H. H. Merritt and Margaret Gideon; d. 27 December 1965, Hamilton, bur. Riverview Cemetery, Hamilton.
V. Charles F. Moore, fifth child of Charlotte Eliza Blaisdell and Francis Little Moore, was born on 26 September 1869 in West Union, Todd Co., Minnesota. He died there as a young boy in 1875.
VI. Edward P. Moore, sixth and last child of Charlotte Eliza Blaisdell and Francis Little Moore, was born on 2 March 1872 in West Union, Todd Co., Minnesota. He died as an infant about September 1872. His mother, Charlotte, died the day she gave birth to him, even though her death certificate lists spotted fever as the cause of death.
